Drought cancels Christmas boat parade
AP
Posted: 2007-11-08 09:18:21
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) - The drought gripping the Southeast has claimed
another victim -- the Christmas boat parade at Lake Lanier.

Buddy Meeks is co-chairman of the event, a 12-year tradition at the
lake. He says treetops on the lake bottom are getting too close to the
surface and might pose safety hazards.

This year's boat parade had been scheduled for December 1st.

The lighted boat parade began in 1995 as an event for members of the
University Yacht Club and was opened to the public in 2005.

Last year's parade included 40 boats decorated with items from
inflated Santas to angels.

On Tuesday, Lake Lanier was more than 15 feet below full, its lowest
level since October 24th, 1986, when Georgia was experiencing another
historic drought.

Meeks says his group hopes rains will replenish the lake and the
parade can be held next year.

Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com